Mexico’s Copper Canyon
From sparkling seascapes to the mesmerizing Copper Canyon
Eye-widening mountain ranges, quaint colonial towns, turquoise waters, and postcard-worthy canyons - viva Mexico! On this once-in-a-lifetime vacation, experience escorted tours to the Copper Canyon, Urique Canyon, San Carlos, and other exciting spots. Along the way, enjoy scenic train rides and cruises, a wine tasting, a Mexican party, a folkloric dance show, and more!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Phoenix (PHX)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Phoenix at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport N
- 2 nights in San Carlos at the Marinaterra Hotel
- 2 nights in El Fuerte at the Hotel Posada Del Hidalgo
- 1 night in Cerocahui at the Hotel Mision
- 2 nights in Posada Barrancas at the Hotel Posada Barrancas Mirador
- 1 night in Nuevo Casas Grandes at the Hotel Hacienda
- 1 night in Phoenix at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport N
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary including the following:
- Cruise on the Sea of Cortes
- Visit to a pearl farm
- Mexican party in El Fuerte
- Walking tour of El Fuerte
- Folkloric dance show in El Fuerte
- Scenic train ride through the Copper Canyon
- Visits to a local school and mission in Cerocahui
- Wine tasting in Cerocahui
- Visit to the Urique Canyon
- Tarahumara Indians cultural presentation
- Breakfast daily, 8 lunches, and 7 three-course dinners
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Headsets throughout the tour
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage, and service charges
Great Ways to Explore
-
Weave and wind through the Copper Canyon on a scenic train ride!
- Feel the warm breeze against your cheek as you cruise on the bright blue Sea of Cortes.
-
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture. Visit local schools, attend a party, learn about the Tarahumara Indians, and experience a folkloric dance show.
-
Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a guide throughout your trip. Your guide will provide transportation, knowledge, and advice, so all you need to do is have fun and relax!
-
Indulge! You'll be treated to a wine tasting and tons of included meals throughout your journey.
See movie-like saguaro cacti, look up at jaw-dropping mountains, and look down at extraordinary canyons. Stroll the stone streets of colorful colonial towns and immerse yourself in Mexico's culture and history! On this incredible vacation package, you'll cross the Chihuahuan Desert and the fertile valley of Nuevo Casas Grandes to the Copper Canyon! Hop aboard a train and wind through lush greenery and soaring mountains. Experience Urique Canyon up close, the deepest canyon in the western Sierra Madre Moutains!
Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise atop the glistening Sea of Cortes in San Carlos, where you just might see dolphins, seals, and other aquatic friends! Visit a pearl farm, take a colonial tour of El Fuerte, and dance the night away at an authentic Mexican Party!
Helpful links for travel to Mexico:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Phoenix (PHX)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Phoenix at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport N
- 2 nights in San Carlos at the Marinaterra Hotel
- 2 nights in El Fuerte at the Hotel Posada Del Hidalgo
- 1 night in Cerocahui at the Hotel Mision
- 2 nights in Posada Barrancas at the Hotel Posada Barrancas Mirador
- 1 night in Nuevo Casas Grandes at the Hotel Hacienda
- 1 night in Phoenix at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport N
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary including the following:
- Cruise on the Sea of Cortes
- Visit to a pearl farm
- Mexican party in El Fuerte
- Walking tour of El Fuerte
- Folkloric dance show in El Fuerte
- Scenic train ride through the Copper Canyon
- Visits to a local school and mission in Cerocahui
- Wine tasting in Cerocahui
- Visit to the Urique Canyon
- Tarahumara Indians cultural presentation
- Breakfast daily, 8 lunches, and 7 three-course dinners
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Headsets throughout the tour
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage, and service charges
-
Weave and wind through the Copper Canyon on a scenic train ride!
- Feel the warm breeze against your cheek as you cruise on the bright blue Sea of Cortes.
-
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture. Visit local schools, attend a party, learn about the Tarahumara Indians, and experience a folkloric dance show.
-
Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a guide throughout your trip. Your guide will provide transportation, knowledge, and advice, so all you need to do is have fun and relax!
-
Indulge! You'll be treated to a wine tasting and tons of included meals throughout your journey.
See movie-like saguaro cacti, look up at jaw-dropping mountains, and look down at extraordinary canyons. Stroll the stone streets of colorful colonial towns and immerse yourself in Mexico's culture and history! On this incredible vacation package, you'll cross the Chihuahuan Desert and the fertile valley of Nuevo Casas Grandes to the Copper Canyon! Hop aboard a train and wind through lush greenery and soaring mountains. Experience Urique Canyon up close, the deepest canyon in the western Sierra Madre Moutains!
Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise atop the glistening Sea of Cortes in San Carlos, where you just might see dolphins, seals, and other aquatic friends! Visit a pearl farm, take a colonial tour of El Fuerte, and dance the night away at an authentic Mexican Party!
Helpful links for travel to Mexico:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Phoenix!
Arrive in the sunny city of Pheonix and settle in to your first luxurious accommodation. Meet your fellow traveling companions for a welcome drink and say "cheers" to a new adventure! Your tour director will be there to answer all questions and prepare you for your upcoming Copper Canyon expedition.
Transfer from Pheonix airport (PHX) to Pheonix hotel
Check-in - Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North
Offering easy access to attractions, the airport, and wonderful lodging, the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North is excellently located along the Phoenix light rail system, making it easy to go to and from the hotel. With 24-hour shuttles running to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the downtown area well within reach, the Hilton Garden Inn is arguably the best place to stay for mobility. Guests are also able to enjoy the gym and swimming pool.
Rooms are airy yet comfortable, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, and private bathrooms. Corporate offices dot the surrounding area as well as Arizona State University. Guests can also enjoy their meals at the hotel restaurant, or grab a snack from the on-site 24-hour convenience store.
Day 2. Pheonix - San Carlos
Today's the day! This morning, spot large saguaro cacti and gaze out at vast expanses of ranch land as you cross into Mexico. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Sonora Desert until you reach San Carlos, a beautiful beachfront port city located on the sparkling Sea of Cortez. Indulge in a delicious lunch and dinner with your travel companions!
Check-in - Marinaterra Hotel & Spa
Enjoy the striking view from your room while staying at the Marinaterra Hotel & Spa. With its own private beach area, an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, a sauna and spa, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar. With activities like snorkeling available along with Hermosillo nearby, there is plenty to entertain.
Rooms are outfitted with coffee machines, a safe, free toiletries, a flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. The beach is a mere 1,300 feet away and the Guaymas International Airport is a quick 25 minute drive away.
Day 3. San Carlos
Enjoy a pleasant breakfast, then hop aboard a private boat for a cruise on the Sea of Cortez. Keep your eyes out for seals, dolphins, and exotic birds such as the blue-footed booby and the great blue heron.
After an exciting morning, you'll visit a pearl farm! Learn all about the indigenous rainbow-lipped pearl oyster and the unique colors of pearls it produces.
The rest of the day is yours! Relax on a gorgeous beach, shop for a special souvenir, or unwind with a cold drink and watch the swaying palm trees.
Day 4. San Carlos - El Fuerte
Enjoy another morning cruise on the Sea of Cortez, then continue on to the picturesque colonial town of El Fuerte! Look all around at the perfectly preserved, colorful colonial architecture and soak up the town's vibrant atmosphere!
El Fuerte is famous for being the birthplace of the legendary Senor Diego de la Vegas, also known as Zorro. Learn all about his history!
Tonight, put on your dancing shoes and have the time of your life at a true Mexican Party!
Check-in - Hotel Posada Del Hidalgo El Fuerte
Wander through peaceful and lush gardens at the Hotel Posada del Hidalgo, a renovated grand colonial mansion that was built in the 1800s. Indulge in the on-site Mexican restaurant, go for a dip in the pool, or unwind with a treatment at the spa. The concierge staff can help with arranging tours through the city as well.
Rooms are uniquely decorated in traditional Mexican style, featuring wood beams and tile floors, and are outfitted with air conditioning, a TV, private bathrooms that include a hairdryer, and all rooms have a view of the garden.
Day 5. El Fuerte
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast, then start your day with a walking tour of El Fuerte's historic city center! Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hotel's beautiful garden or snagging some handmade souvenirs.
Enjoy a delicious dinner, then feast your eyes on a folkloric dance show!
Day 6. El Fuerte - Copper Canyon - Cerocahui
This is the day you've been waiting for! After breakfast, hop aboard a train for your rail adventure through El Canon de Cobre (Copper Canyon). Gawk at jaw-dropping scenery as your train winds along the rim of steep gorges and chasms and crosses canyons and rivers. Your train will even descend mountain passes, reaching 7,000 feet!
Arrive in the picturesque valley of Cerocahui, where you'll enjoy lunch, and then visit a local school to interact with the children who call this part of the world "home." You'll also visit a local mission, which was founded in 1556.
As the day winds down, enjoy a wine tasting and winery tour! Then, indulge in a delicious dinner.
Check-in - Hotel Mision Cerocahui
Sitting at the foot of the historic Mission Church, the Hotel Mision Cerocahui features shuttle serviced to and from Bahuichivo, an outdoor pool, a garden, a vineyard, and sightseeing opportunities. Nearby a water fall and the Sangre de Cristo gold mine draw visitors, with horseback rides to it available. Guests are also able to take a sightseeing bus to the Urique Canyon Overlook.
Rooms are decorated in Mexican decour, featuring tiled private bathrooms, and come with a TV, a hair dryer, and a work desk. Guests can also find a wood fireplace in their rooms, as well as a large wood fireplace in the lobby.
Day 7. Cerocahui - Urique Canyon - Posada Barrancas
Start the day strong with a visit to the overwhelmingly beautiful Urique Canyon, the deepest canyon in the western Sierra Madre Mountains! Marvel at spectacular views as your guide enlightens you with the history and culture of this region.
You'll then continue on to Posada Barrancas, located on the rim of Copper Canyon! Learn all about the Tarahumara Indians and their culture during an entertaining and informative presentation tonight. Then, indulge in a mouthwatering dinner!
Check-in - Hotel Posada Barrancas Mirador
The views from the Hotel Posada Barrancas Mirador will make you catch your breath. Look out from the balcony, with or without the binoculars, at the stunning Copper Canyon of Chihuahua. Other than otherworldly views, the hotel offers a restaurant that serves up Mexican cuisine, a bar, a gift shop, a meeting room, and bus, helicopter, or horseback riding tours. There are also hiking trails surrounding the hotel.
Rooms feature private balconies overlooking the canyon, fireplaces, custom-made furniture, private bathrooms, toiletries, and hairdryers. The Tararecua Canyon and Tarahumara Ranch are also within 2 miles of the hotel.
Day 8. Posada Barrancas
Ahh, immerse yourself in the peaceful serenity of Copper Canyon. Enjoy a morning of area sightseeing - make sure you're camera's charged! Feeling adventurous? You may want to inquire about exciting activities such as ziplining, horseback riding, hiking, and more!
Day 9. Posada Barrancas - Nuevo Casa Grandes
Recharge with a yummy breakfast, then cross the Chihuahuan Desert and the fertile valley of Nuevo Casas Grandes!
Tonight, clink glasses and enjoy a festive farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director - the perfect ending to your Copper Canyon adventure!
Check-in - Hotel Hacienda Nuevo Casas Grandes
Enjoy your nights in a restored 17th century boutique hotel in the heart of Merida, the Hotel La Mision de Fray Diego. Just a block from the city center lined with shops, restaurants, and fun activities, the hotel itself offers an on-site restaurant, a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and free on-site parking.
Rooms are equipped with an in-room safe, a LED satellite TV, air conditioning, a work desk, ironing facilities, and a private bathroom. A quick 2-block walk will bring you to the Teatro Merida and the city's main square.
Day 10. Nuevo Casas Grandes - Phoenix
Today, you'll travel through the plains and cattle country of Chihuahua. Wave goodbye to Mexico as you re-enter the United States! Arrive in Pheonix and enjoy one last night in America's southwest.
Check-in - Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North
Offering easy access to attractions, the airport, and wonderful lodging, the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North is excellently located along the Phoenix light rail system, making it easy to go to and from the hotel. With 24-hour shuttles running to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the downtown area well within reach, the Hilton Garden Inn is arguably the best place to stay for mobility. Guests are also able to enjoy the gym and swimming pool.
Rooms are airy yet comfortable, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, and private bathrooms. Corporate offices dot the surrounding area as well as Arizona State University. Guests can also enjoy their meals at the hotel restaurant, or grab a snack from the on-site 24-hour convenience store.
Day 11. Depart Pheonix
Fuel up with one last breakfast, squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage, then enjoy a comfortable transfer to Pheonix Sky Harbor International Airport. Spend the flight home dreaming about your next adventure!